Early Learning (Daycare)

EARLY LEARNING

3-5 years old

With so many demands on today’s families, parents need all the support they can get. That’s why child care at the Y is about more than looking after kids. We focus on nurturing their development by providing a safe place to learn foundational skills, develop healthy, trusting relationships, and build self-reliance. This is all accomplished through the Y values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

Program Features

> Qualified teachers and assistant teachers trained in education, CPR & First Aid

> Open year round, 7:30am to 5:30pm

> Swimming lessons and other daytime YMCA programs included

> Emphasis on developing each child’s physical, social, emotional, and intellectual selves

> Nutritious meals and snacks

> A schedule of activities throughout the day that balances quiet/active and
cognitive/gross motor skills

> Cognitive games (letter, shape recognition, number), singing, fingerplays, group games, stories and more

Hours of Operation:

Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten

The classrooms have a daily schedule that allows for activities independently, as well as whole and small group activities. The children have daily opportunities to play outside, in the gym or in the indoor play area. They have opportunities to experience field trips and guest speakers. They have scheduled snacks, activities, lunch, and horizontal time throughout the day to help keep them in a routine. Children in the preschool classrooms have a ratio of 1:10.

Curriculum

Our early childhood program is designed to prepare children for kindergarten while nurturing their curiosity and independence. We incorporate:

• Kindergarten Readiness: Foundational skills in literacy, math, and social-emotional development

• STEM Activities: Hands-on exploration in science, technology, engineering, and math

• Independent Learning: Encouraging children to follow their interests within respectful boundaries

Children are given the freedom to move, explore, and grow in a safe, supportive environment that fosters respect for themselves, others, and the world around them.

Early Childcare Daily Sample Schedule

7:30-8:15 Check in and free time

8:15-9:00 Circle time, snack, bathroom break

9:00-10:30 kinder gym/swim (Monday)

Preschool learning time (Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday)

Gym/swim (Thursday)

10:30-11:00 Books, wash up for lunch

11:00-12:00 Lunch

12:00-12:30 Bathroom/ get ready for rest time

12:30-2:15 Nap/rest time

2:15-3:00 Bathroom/snack

3:00-4:00 Craft/centers